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Rangers pitcher Ryan Dempster not in Toronto, lost passport reportedly to blame

Canadian right-hander Ryan Dempster won’t make his scheduled start for the Texas Rangers against the Blue Jayson Saturday.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Ryan Dempster throws a pitch to the New York Yankees in the first inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, August 13, 2012. (RAY STUBBLEBINE / REUTERS)

By Mark ZwolinskiSports Reporter

Fri., Aug. 17, 2012

Canadian right-hander Ryan Dempster won’t make his scheduled start for the Texas Rangers against the Blue Jayson Saturday.

Dempster left the team Friday for “personal reasons,” the Rangers said. He has been placed on the restricted list.

Dallas Morning News columnist Evan Grant tweeted late Friday that a passport issue could be behind the move.

“It sounds like Dempster, who hasn’t pitched in Canada since 2004, may have lost his passport or something along those lines. Not serious,” he tweeted.

In three starts since coming from the Cubs in a trade-deadline deal, Dempster has allowed 19 runs — 16 earned — in 17 1/3 innings. He was 5-5 with a 2.25 ERA for Chicago.

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Roy Oswalt has been moved up to take Dempster’s start Saturday. The Rangers have also called up outfielder Leonys Martin from the minors.

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